This past Saturday I attended a Daoist Qigong Seminar hosted by Tim Bruewer, the St. Louis Daoist Association Director. Mr. Bruewer is a 26th Generation Wudang Longmen Neidan Taoist Disciple who studied under Wudang Taoist Priest and Master Yun Xiang Tseng. We covered a lot of material and focused on many of the basics that form the foundation of Daoist Qigong. We spent time covering some of the major acupuncture points that can be found on the Du and Ren meridians on the posterior and anterior side of the body respectively. These points were the main focus of the two Qigong sets that we covered. These points, once open, promote better circulation of the Qi throughout the body and increase the immune system as well as the function and health of the major internal organs. We also discussed some of the elemental theory that influences all of Daoist Qigong, Martial Arts, and medical practices. The five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water have an interesting relationship. Each element both leads to the creation of another element while further inhibiting a different one. With each element associated with a pair of internal organs, it creates an interesting interplay between the organs and helps Traditional Chinese Medical doctors to diagnose and treat imbalances in the body. The energy flows in 12 primary meridians with 8 extraordinary channels. The energy in these channels ebb and flow at different strengths during different times of the day cycling every 24 hours. The knowledge of this flow can assist in the effectiveness of medical treatments or make ones strikes in gong fu more destructive.
Mr. Bruewer did an excellent job covering the these theories and going in to great detail for the students present. I have researched these principals on my own and knew much of what was covered, but it is always nice to cover the information again and gain new insight and perspective. I was greatly looking forward to the two Qigong sets that we would cover. Both sets were new for me and I found them both very enjoyable.
I am not very accomplished in Qigong since in traditional Shaolin training it does not get much emphasis until later when the practitioner’s body is prepared to deal with greater amounts of Qi. The sets we covered were fundamental Qigong routines that form the basis of further study in Qigong and that was a perfect place for me to begin. We covered the Wudang Yang Sheng Gong and the Wudang Shen Dian Qigong.
Wudang Yang Sheng Gong is the base form that all Daoist martial artists practice. This set focuses on the most fundamental pre-heaven Qi and works to replenish it. This helps slow and potentially reverse the aging process by cultivating and storing the Qi that comes from before birth. This form is used as a foundation of other forms and is key in Daoist longevity Qigong practice.
Wudang Shen Dian Qigong is based upon the theories of Yin and Yang and the five elemental theory. This form focuses on opening up the acupuncture points situated directly on the Du and Ren meridians. This allows the practitioner to strengthen the Dan Tian and increase the amount of Qi that the practitioner can cultivate and store. The more Qi that a practitioner can store, the greater power and vitality he can achieve.
I found the first set to be very simple and very effective. I noticed that my temperature would increase as I practiced this form and I could feel the increase in circulation and energy. I enjoy this set a lot and have already added it to my daily morning stretching and Qigong practice. The second form was also very good, though you tend to not feel the effects right away. It does increase your energy a lot and I found myself running strong until 12am and did not realize what time it was I had so much energy. This form is a little more difficult for me and I will need to practice parts of it often before I feel comfortable with it.
There was a decent turnout at the seminar and included students from various occupations and martial backgrounds. Some of my students attended as well as some of Mr. Bruewer’s. There were Tai Ji students, massage therapists, and even a Reiki practitioner. This made for a very dynamic group that encompassed a broad range of skills and knowledge. The group was very friendly which created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The material covered and competancy of instruction were very high and when more seminars are offered I would definitely recommend that you check them out. Classes are forming now for his soon to be open school, and if you are interested in Daoist philosophy, Qigong, or martial arts I recommend stopping by for more information.
